Health Stories - Tehama County
Health Stories - Tehama County
Brought to you by Tehama County Public Health and United Way of Northern California.
Welcome to Health Stories - Tehama County, a series where we sat down with residents of Tehama County to ask how they experienced the COVID-19 pandemic.
These stories go beyond just the first pandemic of the 21st century; they give a glimpse into the lives of Tehama County residents — their struggles, their victories — and offer insight into how we can be more resilient as a community and best respond to health challenges in the future, whether it is a pandemic or something else.
The Social Determinants of Health
Health is about more than just what happens in a doctor's office. It's shaped by our social environment—our access to quality care, education, and health information, our income level, support networks, and our ability to live in safe neighborhoods.
These factors, known as the social determinants of health, play a critical role in our well-being. In this series, each story touches on some of these important determinants, highlighting how the community around us and our resources impact health in real and meaningful ways. Join us as we explore the experiences of individuals and families navigating health in the context of these broader influences.
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In Episode 1, we sat down with Ashley Eakins, a Red Bluff teacher who navigated earning her credential while homeschooling her children during the pandemic.
For Ashley, the pandemic brought the social implications of health to the forefront as she balanced family, teaching, and caregiving. She saw firsthand how social determinants of health—like access to education, family support, and community resources—shaped not only her own well-being but also that of her students and those she cared for.
From the struggles of Zoom learning to the heart-wrenching impact of isolation on a 97-year-old client, Ashley reflects on resilience, loss, and unexpected lessons learned. Her story underscores how interconnected our health is with the environment around us and the support systems we rely on.
Watch Ashley’s full story to hear how the pandemic reshaped her life.
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In Episode 2, we’re excited to hear from Amanda Harter, the North State Market Director of Marketing & Communications at Dignity Health, as she shares her unique experience working in healthcare during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Amanda witnessed firsthand the challenges of rapidly changing information and policies, as well as the impact of fear and misinformation on both the healthcare system and the broader community. She reflects on the importance of employee wellness and how healthcare workers were impacted by social determinants of health, such as access to mental health support, community resources, and workplace conditions.
Through her story, Amanda explores the role of resilience in navigating both personal and professional challenges during a time of crisis. She also highlights the critical need for collaboration, communication, and understanding the broader health context that shapes our responses to crises.
Join us as Amanda shares the lessons learned and the impact of community support during this unprecedented time.
Thank you for being with us, Amanda!
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In Episode 3, we meet Nancy and Teresa, a mother-daughter duo who faced the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic together. They share their experience navigating family dynamics during lockdown, the mental strain of being separated from loved ones, and the difficult decisions made to protect each other’s health—especially during pregnancy.
As Nancy balanced working from home while schools were closed, she cherished the extra family time amidst the chaos. She also reflects on her role as an essential worker and the importance of prioritizing family, even when life gets busy.
Their story highlights how social determinants of health—like access to support systems, mental health resources, and a stable work environment—play a key role in shaping their well-being. Through it all, Nancy and Teresa learned just how much the support of family and community can strengthen resilience in tough times.
Join us as they share their journey and reflect on the vital role family plays in maintaining health, especially during a crisis.
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In this episode of Health Stories - Tehama County, we sit down with Alberto Anguiano, a small business owner from Red Bluff, who shares his journey navigating the challenges of entrepreneurship during the pandemic. Running a business during such uncertain times was stressful, especially with closures making it hard to stay open. He adapted by shifting his business model and finding creative ways to keep things running.
Alberto also opens up about his experience with long-COVID and how he’s adjusted to the "new normal" since the pandemic. Through it all, he and his family found new ways to stay connected and make the most of their time together, despite the challenges they faced.
Alberto’s story highlights how factors like economic stability, access to healthcare, and community support played a key role in helping him stay resilient during the pandemic. Tune in to hear how he adapted to the difficulties of the pandemic and the valuable lessons he’s learned along the way.
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Meet Casey and Michelle Hickok, dedicated community members who wear many hats. Casey is a full-time firefighter, and together, they own Zelma’s in Red Bluff—a business they’ve run for six years. More than just a trophy shop, they see themselves as a creative resource for their community.
During the pandemic, Casey and Michelle made strategic decisions that allowed their business to grow, adapting to meet community needs, including mask-making. They embraced creativity and flexibility, turning challenges into opportunities to support others.
At the same time, they navigated health concerns within their families, prioritizing well-being while witnessing firsthand how strong community support can be. Small business owners leaned on each other, not letting each other go under due to the pandemic. Their story reflects how social factors—like economic stability, local connections, and access to resources—shape health and resilience. For them, the pandemic reinforced the spirit of “locals serving locals,” proving that even in difficult times, their community could come together.
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For our series finale, we’re joined by Kalie Brisbon, CEO of United Way of Northern California, and Minnie Sagar, Public Health Director with Tehama County Health Services Agency.
They reflect on some of the unexpected positives that came from the COVID-19 pandemic, like the development of at-home rapid tests and how health agencies, nonprofits, and community services like 211 NorCal came together to meet local needs. Minnie emphasizes that the key to making all of this possible was the necessity of collaboration; under the pressure of a crisis, you truly see partnerships in action.
They also discuss how small communities, often lacking the resources of larger areas, showed incredible resilience during the pandemic. They reflect on the importance of disaster preparedness, helping others, and the need for information sharing to support the community.
Kalie and Minnie share what they’ve learned from this experience and offer advice for future generations who may face a similar crisis.
Share Your Story!
Do you have a health story you’d like to share? Click the button below to Share Your Story with us—whether it's related to COVID-19 or any other health experience that has impacted your life.
